On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the Media Department at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) organized a highly insightful panel discussion on Media Ethics and Ethical Journalism, aimed at addressing the challenges and responsibilities faced by journalists in the evolving media landscape. The event was held as per the directives of the Press Council of Pakistan, the Government of Pakistan, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC). In her Welcome Address, Dr. Nadia Ayub, Dean of CESD, emphasized the importance of ethical journalism in today’s fast-paced, information-driven world. She acknowledged the distinguished presence of the panelists and expressed optimism that the discussion would offer invaluable insights to BS Media Studies students, enriching their understanding of how ethical standards shape responsible journalism.
The event featured prominent figures from Pakistan’s media industry, including Keynote Speaker, Mr. Kamal Siddiqui, founding editor of The Express Tribune and currently associated with the Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), where he develops business strategies for online news platforms across South Asia. Other notable panelists included Ms. Lubna Jerrar Naqvi, Pakistan Gender Coordinator and Trainer at the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and General Secretary of the Karachi Union of Journalists; Ms. Munazza Siddiqui, Executive Producer at GEO News; and Mr. Faiq Nawazi, Assignment Editor at ARY News. The session was moderated by Muhammad Omar Iftikhar, Senior Assistant Manager at MARCOM, IoBM.
Following the panel discussion, a workshop on Media Ethics and Ethical Journalism was conducted by Ms. Lubna Jerrar Naqvi. She provided students with in-depth insights into the key aspects of media reporting and the crucial role that media ethics plays in journalistic practice. She emphasized the importance of responsible reporting and shared practical examples of ethical dilemmas that journalists face in today’s media landscape, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate these challenges effectively.
During his Keynote Address, Mr. Kamal Siddiqui emphasized that while many journalists excel at reporting, they often lack the business acumen required to manage media outlets effectively. He highlighted the growing need for journalists to gain business insights and managerial skills, especially if they aim to establish and sustain their own media platforms in the competitive industry.
In the panel discussion, the esteemed speakers delved into the ever-evolving landscape of media ethics, offering valuable perspectives on how the core principles of fairness, accuracy, and integrity are being continuously tested by technological advancements and the shifting socio-political climate. They highlighted the increasing complexity of ethical journalism in a world where the rapid spread of misinformation, the pervasive influence of digital media, and the evolving role of journalists in society have introduced new challenges.
The panelists also addressed the critical issue of media censorship, emphasizing the fine line between responsible journalism and external pressures that attempt to curtail the free flow of information. They discussed the importance of self-censorship, stressing that journalists must exercise discretion and responsibility, particularly when reporting on sensitive or potentially inflammatory issues, to avoid causing unnecessary harm or fueling conflicts. One of the key points raised was how Gen Z, as digital natives, can contribute to reshaping the media landscape by learning to consume and process information critically. The speakers encouraged young journalists to focus on presenting value-adding news that goes beyond sensationalism and focuses on stories that inform, educate, and inspire change.
The importance of reading and content consumption was also underscored as an essential practice for aspiring journalists to stay well-informed and develop a broad understanding of diverse perspectives. The panelists shared how a commitment to continuous learning and engagement with high-quality content can help media professionals produce well-rounded and impactful stories. Reflecting on their own experiences, the panelists shared the challenges they have faced when handling sensitive news—whether it involved issues of national importance or stories that had the potential to significantly impact the masses. They discussed the ethical considerations that come into play when reporting on such topics, emphasizing the responsibility journalists carry in ensuring that their work reflects truth and serves the public good without compromising journalistic integrity.
Overall, the discussion reinforced the need for media professionals to adapt ethically to the changing times, ensuring that journalism remains a trusted and respected pillar of society. Speaking on the transformation of media ethics, Mr. Kamal Siddiqui stressed the importance of accountability and transparency, particularly in the digital age, where the line between factual reporting and sensationalism is often blurred. Ms. Lubna Jerrar Naqvi highlighted the role of gender-sensitive reporting and how ethical considerations are crucial to promoting balanced representation in media. Ms. Munazza Siddiqui and Mr. Faiq Nawazi both emphasized the importance of maintaining professional integrity despite the pressures of breaking news cycles and commercial interests.
The panel discussion concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students had the chance to interact directly with the panelists, deepening their understanding of the ethical complexities that journalists navigate in their daily work. This interactive exchange provided valuable insights into the challenges of maintaining integrity and ethical standards in an increasingly dynamic media landscape. This panel discussion was part of IoBM’s ongoing commitment to equipping its students with the skills and knowledge required to face real-world challenges, while fostering a strong grasp of the ethical frameworks that are crucial to the journalism profession.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Ejaz Wasay, who expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests for sharing their expertise and for enriching the students' learning experience. He emphasized how the panelists' insights had added significant value to the students' understanding of the industry. Mr. Wasay also expressed hope that such panel discussions would continue at IoBM, further strengthening the connection between academia and the media industry.